NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY MUD 5 Lead Service Line Inventory
What we know about lead pipes in your area
NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY MUD 5 serves about 23,766 people in Texas. The utility has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory—meaning we don't have confirmed data on how many lead pipes are in the system.
This doesn't mean there's no lead. Many older water systems across the US have lead service lines (the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to your home). Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes built before the 1980s when lead pipes and fittings were common.
Why inventories matter
Federal law now requires all water utilities to map and report their lead service lines. An inventory tells you:
- Whether your address has a known lead pipe
- What your utility's replacement timeline looks like
- What testing or treatment steps are recommended for your home
Without a completed inventory, it's harder to know your home's risk level.
What you can do now
Contact your utility directly. Ask NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY MUD 5:
- Do you have a lead service line inventory in progress? When will it be public?
- Does my address have a known lead pipe?
- What's your current replacement plan?
Get your water tested. Even without a lead pipe, lead can enter your home through corroded copper fittings or solder. A simple test costs $20–50 and tells you if lead is present in your tap water right now. Contact your county health department or visit the EPA's testing guidance.
Know your home's age. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead-containing solder. If you're not sure, your property records or a plumber can help.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY MUD 5 and ask about their lead service line inventory status.
- Request a free or low-cost water test through your county health department or a certified lab.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB about testing recommendations—the CDC has guidance for at-risk groups.
- Check your home's year built; older homes warrant extra caution.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY MUD 5 and ask if they have a lead service line inventory for your address. You can also have your water tested for lead or hire a plumber to inspect your pipes.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in young children and cause other health problems at any age. The CDC recommends testing if you have young children or are pregnant. Talk to your pediatrician for personalized advice.
How do I test my tap water for lead?
Contact your local health department or search for a certified water testing lab in your area. Tests typically cost $20–50 and take a few days to a week for results.
When will my utility replace lead pipes?
Ask NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY MUD 5 directly—they should have a replacement plan in progress. Timeline varies widely based on funding and the number of pipes to replace.